World of Warcraft is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) developed and published by Blizzard Entertainment. It is the fourth installment in the Warcraft series, and Blizzard's first game in the MMORPG genre.

Jump to a section:

Intent on settling the arid region of Durotar, Thrall's new Horde expanded its ranks, inviting the undead Forsaken to join orcs, tauren, and trolls. Meanwhile, dwarves, gnomes and the ancient night elves pledged their loyalties to a reinvigorated Alliance, guided by the human kingdom of Stormwind. After Stormwind's king, Varian Wrynn, mysteriously disappeared, Highlord Bolvar Fordragon served as Regent but his service was marred by the manipulations and mind control of the black dragon Onyxia, who ruled in disguise as a human noblewoman. As heroes investigated Onyxia's manipulations, ancient foes surfaced in lands throughout the world to menace Horde and Alliance alike.

From its undiscovered corners to its most prominent landmarks, the world of Warcraft is filled with mystery, peril, and, most of all, conflict. Cities teem with backstabbing mercenaries and greedy politicians, dark caverns hold ancient and terrible secrets, and warzones play host to generations-old clashes between armies. Few would dare explore these distant and dangerous places; fewer still would expect to return. You are one of those few.

The blood-soaked fields of strife in Azeroth are ripe with opportunities for glory. Generals call this ordeal a war effort; combatants simply call it “PvP”. Experience the conflict firsthand as a soldier, a gladiator—or both—and forge an everlasting legend in the fires of battle.

Crafters who set out to master a profession discover skills every bit as valuable as swordplay or spellcraft. They can create weapons, tools and magic potions, bandage wounds, harvest precious materials, inscribe ancient runes of power, and more. Of course, truly canny professionals think bigger than outfitting themselves. When they’re not supplementing their own arsenal, they’ll be making a profit supplementing someone else’s.

Azeroth is a fractious and war-stricken world, and standing alone can be deadly. To survive and prosper, members of all races gather together along cultural and ideological lines. Each of these factions holds to a unique philosophy, and they often disagree with one another – violently. Yet, despite the danger, allegiance to a faction never goes unnoticed; those heroes who are willing to risk taking sides can expect handsome rewards.